Irish Captain and Arsenal’s shining star, Katie McCabe, has earned her place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League team of the season.

A beacon of brilliance, McCabe stood out even as Arsenal bowed out in the semi-finals of the tournament.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Katie McCabe of Arsenal is substituted after an injury during the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on March 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Katie McCabe of Arsenal is substituted after an injury during the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on March 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)ccabe
  • Arsenal’s Katie McCabe is the only non-finalist to make the UEFA Women’s Champions League team of the season.
  • Despite Arsenal’s semi-final exit to Wolfsburg, McCabe’s performance caught the eye of the UEFA panel.
  • McCabe is now set to join the Ireland team for the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

In a remarkable testament to her skill and impact on the pitch, Katie McCabe of Arsenal has been named in the UEFA Women’s Champions League team of the season.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Katie McCabe of Arsenal speaks with teammate Steph Catley following the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on March 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Katie McCabe of Arsenal speaks with teammate Steph Catley following the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on March 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

This prestigious selection places her amongst Europe’s finest, despite the Gunners’ semi-final exit in the competition.

As the captain of Ireland and a vital cog in Arsenal’s wheel, McCabe’s selection comes as no surprise to those who have followed her journey. The 27-year-old, a native of Tallaght, has consistently delivered top-drawer performances throughout the season.

Katie McCabe of Arsenal takes a shot during the FA Women's Super League match against Reading at Meadow Park on March 12, 2023 in Borehamwood, England. Photo credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images.
Katie McCabe of Arsenal takes a shot during the FA Women’s Super League match against Reading at Meadow Park on March 12, 2023 in Borehamwood, England. Photo credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images.

Arsenal’s campaign in the Champions League this year saw them reach the semi-finals, where they fell to the German side Wolfsburg.

Yet, even in defeat, McCabe’s excellence on the field shone through. It’s noteworthy that she is the only non-finalist in the UEFA team of the season, further underlining her individual contribution to the Gunners.

The Wolfsburg team that bested Arsenal in the semi-final managed to have four of their players make the cut for the UEFA Women’s Champions League team of the season.

However, the list was dominated by players from Barcelona, with a whopping six players from the Catalan club, who clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolfsburg in the final.

For McCabe, the recognition by UEFA adds another feather to her already well-adorned cap.

As she prepares to join the Ireland team for the Women’s World Cup finals next month in Australia and New Zealand, this accolade will undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster.

With the world stage awaiting her, fans of Arsenal and Ireland alike will be excited to see if she can replicate her club form in the green jersey.